Empowerment of Women and Indigenous Peoples In Guatemala
The Alternative Break Trip to Guatemala will focus on defending human rights, more specifically the rights of women and indigenous peoples after years of civil war and strife. On this trip students will learn how they, as US citizens, can stand in solidarity with the Guatemalan people, as well as use the resources at their disposal in order to assist survivors of tragedies by working towards equal human rights. Students will not only gain experience of the world outside of developed countries to identify commonalities in human experiences that every person shares, but also come to recognize that issues of discrimination and human rights transcend national and cultural borders.
This trip will provide a perspective for participants to become lifelong human rights defenders and advocates for social justice. To this end, the trip will also stress the importance of post-trip activism that accompanies the work we do on the ground and arm students with the tools they will need to successfully advocate for the people of Guatemala upon their return to the United States.
Trip Issues
In the wake of Guatemala's thirty-six year civil war, the people of Guatemala still suffer from the divisive policies of the government and struggle greatly to reunite themselves in order to create a better life. Many government policies continue to discriminate against the indigenous peoples and women of Guatemala, treating individuals who fall into these categories as insignificant. These injustices are some of the biggest that Guatemala must overcome. Studying these issues, and working side by side with those most affected by them, can foster innovative ways to aid marginalized citizens of any country in their struggle to improve their lives and fully realize their human rights. This trip works closely with the Guatemala Human Rights Commission, based in Washington, DC, to coordinate all visits on the ground and facilitate post-trip activism upon return.
About the student leaders...
Julie Budd is Junior in the School of Public Affairs studying Justice with a minor in Sociology. She participated in the 2010-2011 Alternative Break to Guatemala which focused on environmental injustices and rebuilding communities. Since this trip, her interest in Latin American development has increased and she has developed a passion for the people, history and culture of Guatemala.
Paige Watson is junior studying secondary education and international studies. She was a participant in the 2010-2011 Alternative Break to Guatemala. Last Spring she interned with the Guatemalan Human Rights Commission and has since been devoted to continuing her solidarity with Guatemala.
Tentative Itinerary (subject to change):
Tuesday, January 3nd
Arrival in Guatemala City
Lunch
Training Orientation at Hotel Spring
Dinner with NISGUA (Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala) international human rights defenders accompaniers
Debrief/reflection
Wednesday, January 4th
Reflection and Breakfast at Hotel
Meeting with Human Rights Defenders Unit
Meeting with Juan de Dios of ADIVIMA: Association for the development of the Maya-Atchi victims of violence.
Lunch at Rey Sol
Visit National Plaza, Cathedral, and Columns of Victims
Meeting with Norma Cruz of Survivors Foundation: Works with women who are victims of violence
Dinner
Debrief /Reflection
Thursday, January 5th
Reflection and Breakfast at Hotel
Pack for Antigua, Rio Negro, and Rabinal
Tour of Relief Map- USAID
Leave for Antigua
Settle into guest house
Meeting with Romelle, Foundations for Education—works with Mayan children, mostly girls, to receive education
Lunch
Free time in Antigua
Dinner at Pena del Sol Latino
Friday, January 6th
Reflection and Breakfast at Guest House
Leave for Rio Negro
Drive to Tactic (4.5-5 hours)
Lunch at restaurant in Tactic, meet Sebastian, purchase food and supplies
Drive to Chixoy Dam
Meet Boat at reservoir and Travel to Rio Negro
Arrive at Cultural Center, unload, swim; orientation with Sebastian
Dinner prepared by community members
Check-in/reflection
Saturday, January 7th
Reflection, Breakfast
Meet with Community members in Rio Negro; discuss history of Chixoy Dam; visit school and cemetery in Village
Lunch at Cultural Center
Visit Pak’oxom, site of 1982 massacre
Dinner at Cultural Center
Watch Discovering Dominga documentary
Check-in/reflection
Sunday, January 8th
Reflection, Breakfast
Walking tour of Rio Negro
Take boat back to Chixoy Dam
Meet bus and drive to Rabinal (2-3 hr. drive)
Lunch
Arrive in Rabinal, Settle into Hotel
Meet with Jesus Tecu and Lawyer’s Bureau
Dinner/reflection
Monday, January 9th
Reflection and Breakfast at Hotel
Drive to Pacux
Meet Romeo Tecu- Association for Justice and Reconciliation for tour of cemetery/mural
Lunch
Visit Rabinal Museum, tour of central market
Farm Visit with Madre Tierra seed project—organization that promotes sustainability for Mayan families
Dinner/Reflection
Tuesday, January 10th
Reflection and Breakfast at Hotel
Meet Guillermo Chen and Students at New Hope Foundation—School for children of victims of the internal conflict
Learn about founding of school and get to know students
Service project at School
Break for Lunch
Service Project
Dinner/Reflection at Hotel
Wednesday, January 11th
Leave for Guatemala City 4-5 hour trip
Stop at community radio station
Arrive in Guatemala City, Spring Hotel
Prep for Embassy Meeting
Dinner
Thursday, January 12th
Reflection and Breakfast at Hotel
Leave for Embassy with passports
Meeting with US Embassy Officials
Lunch, processing on embassy meeting
Meeting with anti-mining women’s organization
Time for personal reflection and rest
Dinner with Casa Artesana- Run by women’s and gay rights activist Sandra Moran who works with women in Prison using art therapy.
Friday, January 13th
Reflection and Breakfast at Hotel
Leave for San Juan Sacatepequez
Meeting with community members and anti-mining activists
Lunch with community
Leave for Antigua
Settle into Guest House
Brainstorming for post-trip activism and commitments
Dinner/Reflection
Saturday, January 14th - Departure Day
Reflection and Breakfast at Guest House
Pack up
Closing Ceremony
Leave for Airport
